The event challenges elite endurance athletes in an adventure race like no other. Not only do they swim through 420 metres of freezing cold water, they CLIMB 18 metres. They scramble over seven canal lock gates and other obstacles, pushing themselves to their limits in a true test of speed, strength, and resolve.

Water temp was 7 degrees Celsius. This competitor had a look of fierce determination as he was the foot of a ladder being hammered by the incessant torrent...